As we begin this season of giving, with a mindset of generosity toward relatives and loved ones, it’s also a time many individuals, families and businesses make a point of giving back to the community. While reasons can vary widely, I like to believe that much of the time, it’s done out of sheer kindness and public spirit.
We have seen so much by way of giving in the past year. While Hurricane Ian dealt our region a catastrophic blow in 2022, it seemed to bring out the best in most individuals. People helped each other, and business owners helped people help each other. We speak a lot of resilience here, of rebuilding, of improving and strengthening, but it all really boils down to giving—of time, of labor and organization, of resources.
Through local media outlets, reporters showed countless examples of this. They combed the neighborhoods and communities showcasing and giving credit to generous locals while giving others who needed assistance a voice they might not otherwise have had. Some residents were ready to give up, many thought all hope was lost, until help came from those watching. It was an act of giving in and of itself to bring the necessary attention to those in need, especially when scammers and wrongdoers were preying on these same unsuspecting victims. And while we’ve seen and continue to see more than our share of scam artists, I’ve been impressed with how much those doing good in the community have outshined those looking to help themselves or do harm.
This isn’t very different from what many nonprofits do year-round. It’s their mission, their primary focus, to develop practical, effective ways to help—gather resources and use them to bring about positive change—within their respective wheelhouses.
This month—in addition to Artis Henderson’s unnerving look at the perils facing the Gulf, and our whole ecosystem, as a result of cataclysmic storms such as Ian (“Troubled Waters,” page 40)—we take a look at local nonprofits and the people who work to support them, rain or shine. What’s particularly interesting to me is comparing what we saw at a basic, boots-on-the-ground level of neighbor helping neighbor to what goes on every day in the nonprofit world.
On page 28, Beth Luberecki examines the phenomenon of corporate-minded executives, many of whom retired to the area, who continue working by sharing their resources—financial and experiential—to the betterment of people every day, by way of an organized nonprofit. It’s not about write-offs and bottom lines for these former moguls’ companies anymore; it’s not about the financial status of their employees or shareholders. These men and women become the nurturing backbone of a local nonprofit. They share the expertise they so painstakingly amassed over their careers, and we all benefit from the results. I don’t think I’m alone in finding that inspiring.
As we all take some time this month to reflect on our blessings and show gratitude for one another, here’s hoping we all find plenty to be inspired by within our growing community.
